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Merry Meet-Cute

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In the picturesque, Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, Washington, Violet finds herself reluctantly managing her late aunt’s beloved bookstore, Hygge. Determined to sell the shop and return to her fast-paced life in San Francisco, Violet’s plans are thrown into disarray when she meets Asher, an aspiring author with a dream of making Hygge his writing sanctuary.

As the holiday season blankets the town in snow and festive cheer, Violet and Asher’s initial clash turns into an unexpected connection. Amidst twinkling lights and cozy fires, Asher’s passion for the bookstore and the community melts Violet’s resolve. Can he inspire her to see the magic in Hygge and the possibility of a new chapter in her life?

“Merry Meet-Cute” is a heartwarming tale of love, community, and the enchanting spirit of hygge. It’s about finding joy in the little things and discovering that sometimes, the best stories are the ones we never planned to write.

69 pages, ebook

Published January 21, 2025

1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read

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Emerie Spark

2 books5 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Katherine.
974 reviews184 followers
January 24, 2025
Merry meet - cute is a heartwarming and gloriously spectacular book that focuses on experiencing love, happiness and the comfort of Hygge.

Violet was absolutely delighted to get the promotion that she worked so hard for however it all came crashing down when she received the news of her beloved aunt's sudden demise. She travels to Leavenworth to say her goodbyes. But then a surprise awaited her.

Her aunt has passed down her house and her cozy bookstore, Hygge to Violet. She, on the another hand is eager to sell the property and be back in San Francisco. Then she meets Asher, the aspiring author who has a profound connection to Hygge.

As their connection grows and the holiday cheers give them a chance to know each other more closely, will Violet return to her life in San Francisco? There is magic and warmth in Hygge and this is just the beginning of it all.

I read this book in a single sitting. I couldn't put it down. The author's fantastic writing style and expression of emotions as well as swoon worthy romance, everything about this story was absolutely amazing and perfect. The themes of love, friendships, uncertainties, opportunities, dilemma and indecisions were so realistically depicted that as a reader I understood their justified actions and resolutions. I am happy with the ending that the author wrote, it was aptly satisfying.

I'd highly recommend this book to all the contemporary romance enthusiasts especially where you can seek the comfort of love and Hygge in the same place.
Profile Image for Megan Taylor.
197 reviews5 followers
February 22, 2025
This sweet holiday novella was a quick read that added a perfect amount of cheer to a dreary winter day.

When Violet's Aunt Bea dies suddenly, she leaves her life in San Francisco to settle Bea's affairs in Washington state. She discovers that Bea has left her everything, including her beloved book store, Hygge, which was a central part of Violet's childhood. She is surprised to find Asher at the Bookstore, an author who has been serving as manager for Bea. He desperately loves Hygge, and doesn't want Violet to sell. She decides to wait until after the holidays, and spends a few weeks getting to know Asher. Although sparks fly between them, Violet's life is in San Francisco. But is she willing to break Asher's heart by taking away herself AND the store he adores?

I found the author's writing to be very compelling, and she managed to make me care for these characters quickly. The story was sweet and cozy, and the Bookstore setting made me happy, since I love nothing more than a bookstore! I do wish that it had been a full length novel, because that would have allowed for further character development. Everything moved fast and felt a bit surface level, but I think that's just the nature of a novella. I still enjoyed reading it and think it's the perfect story to curl up with and read in one sitting!

Thank you so much to the author and Torch Lit Ink for the arc of this novella!
Profile Image for Kendra Job.
211 reviews5 followers
February 7, 2025
Short, sweet, holiday novella. It has all your fav tropes like forced proximity, dual pov, one bed, and more. It’s a cozy setting featuring a bookshop. Both of the characters love books which makes it even better for me, I love when characters in books also love books, it helps me connect with them even more. As most novellas, this one is super short but I was quite happy with the relationship growth throughout it. The ending happened super quick which is my one complaint. I feel like the ending was done way too quick even for a novella, a couple extra pages would’ve made all the difference for me.Either way I still loved this novella and wish I had read it during holiday season sitting by a cozy fire. Thank you Emerie Spark and TorchLitInk for an ARC of this cute novella!
Profile Image for Ali.
1,200 reviews44 followers
February 1, 2025
This was a very short and sweet novella, but with all novellas, I wish there was a little more character development because everything did feel very surface level and we didn't really see how the relationship between Violet and Asher grew. It was a cute premise with a cozy setting and had some great tropes like forced proximity and only one bed in a cozy small town/bookstore setting, and would be a good addition to your holiday season TBR for a quick read.
Profile Image for Unapologetically Bookish.
314 reviews11 followers
February 9, 2025
This was a cute easy novella. Loved the winter vibes!! Totally had a hallmark Christmas movie type of vibe going.

Violet has just been handed her dream job. Editor at Demure magazine. But then, she gets a call letting her know her beloved Aunt has passed away. And, she has left Violet everything, including her beloved bookstore.

Asher is worried that the new owner of his beloved bookstore, is going to be selling. He can’t imagine it. He and Aunt Bea worked this store together. It was his quiet place for writing and he loved helping out while Aunt Bea was away. So how is he going to convince Violet to not sell, and maybe stay?

This is a novella, so the pacing is very fast. Violet and Asher start off slightly as enemies to lovers, then build a friendship as they go through the town and her Aunts belongings. There some Insta-love happening, and a third act breakup. It’s a lot lol. But the vibes are def cutesy. I really loved the ending with the book, it was so cute.

Christmas Vibes
Hallmark Vibes
Small town
Enemies to lovers
Finding Home
Book Dedication 😍
Profile Image for Sree Jayaram.
197 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2025
4.5/5

Merry Meet-Cute is a heartwarming and wholesome holiday read that perfectly captures the magic of small-town charm and bookish coziness. From the very first page, it wraps you in a comforting embrace, much like the concept of hygge itself.

Violet and Asher are wonderfully written protagonists, each bringing depth and warmth to the story. Violet’s initial reluctance and Asher’s unwavering passion for the bookstore create a compelling dynamic that keeps you invested in their journey. Their relationship unfolds naturally, making every moment between them feel both meaningful and delightful.

The setting is another highlight—Leavenworth, with its Bavarian-style charm and festive holiday spirit, feels like a character in itself. The cozy bookstore, the twinkling lights, and the sense of community make for an enchanting backdrop that adds so much to the story’s atmosphere.

While I thoroughly enjoyed this novella, I couldn’t help but wish it had been a full-length novel. There’s so much potential for deeper exploration—more time with the characters, more slow-burn romance, and an even richer immersion into the town and its people. That said, even in its shorter form, Merry Meet-Cute is a feel-good read that’s perfect for curling up with on a chilly evening.

If you love small-town holiday romances with a cozy bookish setting, this one is a must-read!
Profile Image for Blush & Books.
20 reviews2 followers
February 23, 2025
Okay, so Merry Meet-Cute is one of those books that you think will be super predictable, but then you end up getting way too emotionally invested and suddenly want to move to a tiny Bavarian-themed town and open a bookstore. Violet is kind of a grump at first (which, fair, she just inherited a bookstore she doesn’t want), and Asher is your classic cinnamon-roll-writer guy who’s annoyingly charming in a way that makes you root for him immediately.

The whole book basically feels like a warm cup of hot chocolate—festive, cozy, and just sweet enough without being too much. The setting? Absolutely magical. The romance? A slow burn that actually works. And the whole “hygge” theme? I didn’t even know what that meant before reading, but now I suddenly want to light candles and appreciate the little things in life.

Not gonna lie, I saw where the story was going from a mile away, but that didn’t stop me from grinning like an idiot when everything came together. If you like small-town holiday vibes, bookish romances, and the “grumpy meets sunshine” trope done right, this one is worth picking up. 4.5/5 stars (because nothing is perfect, but this came pretty close).
Profile Image for Caitlin Nanos.
93 reviews7 followers
February 20, 2025
After receiving the promotion she’d been dreaming of, Violet’s world comes crashing down when she receives tragic news about her Aunt Bea. This news brings her back to Leavenworth. While here, Violet discovers that her Aunt Bea left her the quaint bookstore known as Hygge. She is now with a thought decision: selling it or take a shot a running it. What she doesn’t realize is that, Ash, the aspiring author she’s already met, has a deep connection to the bookstore as well. Both Violet and Ash go through a journey of love and self-discovery.

This was such a cute and heart-warming tale of love and happiness. I sat down and read this book in one sitting! The author does such a great job of capturing the emotions and allowing the reader to feel what the characters are feeling! Highly recommend this one!

Thank you Torch Lit Ink for this ARC!
Profile Image for Meaghan Elizabeth 🌙.
227 reviews11 followers
February 21, 2025
This was such a cute and cozy, heartwarming story. When Violets beloved aunt passes away suddenly, she travels to Leavenworth where she comes to find that her aunt left her house and bookshop, Hygge, to her.
Having just nailed the promotion at her job back in San Francisco, she has no desire to take over the bookshop, until she meets Asher. Asher is an aspiring author who worked for Violets aunt at the bookshop. When he learns that Violet wants to sell the bookshop, he does everything he can to try to change her mind.
As the two spend more time with each other, Violet starts to realize there is more out there for her than just her job in San Francisco.
I absolutely loved this book and read it in one sitting. If you like a holiday themed, small town romance type story, I highly recommend this for you.
Profile Image for Zoe.
103 reviews
February 17, 2025
Merry Meet-Cute has it all. The main characters you fall in love with, cozy scenery, profound discovery and a lot of romance! I love a holiday themed book and considering it’s been a snot storm every day here it was the perfect opportunity to devour this book! Violet inherited her aunts super cute bookstore but she is so not into it. She wants to sell fast and go back to life in the big city. Until of course, she meets Asher the super cute super inspiring author who wants to turn Hygge into a writers paradise. With the holidays right around the corner sparks start to fly and turn into something no one expected. This is the perfect small town romance to get you in the feels and make you want to curl up and learn more.
Profile Image for bookquettes.
24 reviews
February 18, 2025
This book was such a cute, sweet holiday novella! The vibes were impeccable and had me giggling and feeling all warm and cozy! This book follows our main characters Violet and Asher where Violets aunt sadly passes away and Violet inherits a few things like her aunts house and cozy bookstore Hygge! Asher and Violet get off to a “rough” start but the way their relationship grows and expands had me feeling all type of cute emotions! This read was very fast paced which I adored and had me feeling all lovey dovey! There were so many cute scenes I was feeling so giddy and cozy to the point where I finished it in one sitting! If you’re looking for your next cozy, fast paced read ,this is definitely the book for you! 💗💗
488 reviews13 followers
February 20, 2025
A delightful holiday romance that has everything you want in a feel-good book. The main characters, Violet and Asher, are easy to love, and the story takes place in a cozy, charming setting.

The story centers around Violet, who inherits her aunt's cute bookstore, Hygge. Initially, Violet plans to sell the bookstore quickly and return to her life in the big city. However, her plans change when she meets Asher, a passionate author who dreams of turning Hygge into a writer's haven.

As the holidays approach, the connection between Violet and Asher grows stronger, leading to an unexpected romance. The character development is well-done, their chemistry is undeniable.

The book beautifully captures the warmth of a small-town holiday romance.
Profile Image for Zee.
48 reviews
January 28, 2025
Merry Meet Cute by Emerie Spark is a debut novella. It follows the story of Violet who has to return to Leavenworth due to her aunt's death. There she meets the manager of her aunt's bookstore and the feeling that ignites between the both of them is hard to ignore.

It's a fast paced romance with lots of swoon worthy moments. I found myself manifesting many scenes. My thoughts went back and forth during the last chapter. I thought it would turn out to be a sad ending, but i am happy to say that the ending was beautiful.

The book is short with only 58 pages, so I hope that the author writes a full novel about them navigating their long distance relationship
Profile Image for Tamara Fox.
Author 4 books1 follower
October 9, 2025
Emerie Sparks' debut novella is such a heartwarming, sweet and cosy read. With just 58 pages it's a fast paced romance, but for me it was written in a way I still got completely invested in it.

Loved the Hallmark vibes and the fact it takes place in a bookstore in a small town. The forced proximity, one bed and found family tropes made it just perfect. I did wish it was a bit longer so that there would be room for a bit more character development, but for a quick read this was amazing. Violet and Asher were adorable together.

Thanks to Torchlit ink and Emerie Sparks for giving me the opportunity to read a copy of this lovely romance, and give my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Amanda | escapetoerilea.
342 reviews30 followers
February 11, 2025
Small town, forced proximity, one bed, found family

Thank you, Torch Lit Ink and Emerie Spark, for a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and my thoughts are my own.

This was a cute little novella that was a quick, cozy read. Hallmark vibes but with a bookstore and set in Leavenworth, WA. I absolutely adore this town so it made it even cozier for me as the town was described.
For being a very short book I did feel that the relationship was developed well, which was nice. Was a nice read with the rare Washington snow outside my window!
Profile Image for Alisha Duffield.
51 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2025
It felt weird reading a Christmas Novella during February, but the snow storm we got last week helped to set the mood quite well.

Merry Meet Cute was a very sweet little holiday romance set in (yet another very real town that I've actually spent time in) Leavenworth, Washington.

Following her aunt's death, Lottie heads home from the big city and finds out that she inherited the bookstore her aunt owned. With the help of the bookstore's current manager, she decides to do her best to revamp the place and keep it open! But will it be enough to convince her to give up her dream job in the city? Read for yourself to find out!
Profile Image for Aimée  Sirois.
63 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2025
ARC Review:
⭐️3
🌶️2

I really like this novella. It held a solid amount of angst in its pages, the fluffy aspects of it were very enjoyable, but the angst definitely pulled on heart strings. Personally, I'd have liked to see a little more intimacy, or romance; but it was still good. It was a short, yet enjoyable read!

Thank you Torch Lit Ink for sending me this book, it was a fun and enjoyable quick read!
Profile Image for Rachel.
130 reviews1 follower
Read
January 25, 2025
In this short and sweet novella, Violet heads up to Washington from San Francisco after her aunt unexpectedly passes away. Violet quickly finds out that Aunt Bea left her everything - from her house to her bookstore, Hygge. Luckily, Hygge comes with a “charming author-slash/store manager” named Asher who helps Lottie through it all. Oh, and if you’re a Swiftie, you’ll love the car ride scene 🤍
Profile Image for Steph.
90 reviews2 followers
February 18, 2025
This was a cute holiday novella! 📚 It's short which doesn't leave alot of time for character development but it does provide just enough so you are invested.
Cute Hallmark vibes and I loved the ending. 💕
Profile Image for Tamara Lezcano.
121 reviews
February 23, 2025
Emerie Sparks' debut novella is such a heartwarming, sweet and cosy read. With just 58 pages it's a fast paced romance, but for me it was written in a way I still got completely invested in it.

Loved the Hallmark vibes and the fact it takes place in a bookstore in a small town. The forced proximity, one bed and found family tropes made it just perfect. I did wish it was a bit longer so that there would be room for a bit more character development, but for a quick read this was amazing. Violet and Asher were adorable together.

Thanks to Torchlit ink and Emerie Sparks for giving me the opportunity to read a copy of this lovely romance, and give my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Roo.
567 reviews16 followers
February 18, 2025
OK, this book was absolutely adorable and I need more! It is under like 80 pages and I’m obsessed! This book gives major Hallmark vibes, and I loved it!

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1🌶️
44 reviews
January 30, 2025
The cozy, festive atmosphere of Leavenworth was so beautifully described that I felt like I was right there, strolling past twinkling lights and snow-dusted bookshops.One of my favorite aspects of the book was how it highlighted the magic of books and community. The idea of Hygge being more than just a bookstore, but a place where people find inspiration and connection, was so heartwarming. It made me wish I could visit in real life!
Profile Image for Jawa Kween Reads.
284 reviews25 followers
February 26, 2025
3.5 ⭐
2 -🌶️
-♥-♥-♥-♥-♥--♥-♥-♥-♥-♥--♥-♥-♥-♥-♥--♥-♥-♥-♥-♥--♥-♥-♥-♥-♥--♥-♥-♥-♥-♥--♥-♥-♥-♥-♥--♥-♥-
🌟 Forced Proximity
🌟 Workplace
🌟 Small Town
🌟 Holiday
🌟 Found Family

This was a cute holiday romance.

It starts off with Violet (Lottie) finding out her Aunt Bea passed away and she was to inherit everything.

She flys home to Washington to handle the affairs and meets Ash. He is a writer who is currently managing the bookstore Aunt Bea owns.

While Ash helps Violet navigate her aunt's life, they both start to fall for each other.

While I enjoyed the book, I was really hoping for more moments that showed the spark between Ash and Violet. I felt like their connection was instant, but it didn't feel talked about enough. At one point Ash's friends said something about them being lovebirds and I felt it was rushed because I did not really get the feeling, they were feeling each other that way.
2,086 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2025
Violet inherits a bookstore Hygge from her aunt and she heads to Washington to execute her aunt’s estate. While there, she meets Asher who is an aspiring author and also the manager of the bookstore.

The Two Truths and One Lie game they played helped them to understand each other better and that Friendsmas trip was critical towards getting both of them on the right path. But the decision which Violet has to make is a difficult one.

The grand gesture from Asher was a sweet one and I loved how it finally allowed Violet to grasp and fight for what she truly wants.
682 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2025
📚🌶

Merry Meet Cute was the perfect holiday romcom novella. I really enjoyed the relationship between these MCs and how the story played out. This was Emerie Spark debut novella that really portrayed the authors writing.

Violet finds herself managing her late aunt's bookstore. She is determined to get it sold and return back to her life in San Francisco. Her plans get overturned when she meets an aspiring author, Asher, who wants to make the bookstore his writing cave. These two clash with their different view points on what should be done with the bookstore, but all Asher has to do is show Violet the magic that the store and town offers.
Profile Image for Christina Santos .
190 reviews5 followers
February 11, 2025
This is a such a cute short novella the main character, Violet inherited her late aunt house and book store, but what happens when she wants to sell the house and bookstore and move back to California? What happens when she meets our MMC Asher who doesn't want Violet to sell the Bookstore so he tries to convince her not to sell the store? I absolutely love the enemies to loves in the story. This gives me hallmark vibes because its during the holidays.
49 reviews
February 24, 2025
This was a cute little holiday novella!! As you read you get to see how Asher and Violet become secure in who they are and in the relationships they want to have with one another. They may have met due to unfortunate circumstances, but time together and a small town environment helps Asher and Violet find a way to determine if this meet-cute has lead them to their home in each other!!
Profile Image for Kathryn.
282 reviews17 followers
February 22, 2025
This was only a quick read, but I really enjoyed it. It was so cute and I loved the relationship between Violet and Asher.
Violet has been bequeathed her late aunt's bookshop, Hygge. Asher is the manager of the shop and has his own ideas of what should happen to it now. Initially Violet and Asher disagree, but they soon become very close and she tags along with him to his annual winter trip with friends.
This is such a cute little holiday story.
I would have liked more of the story to be set in the bookshop because it sounded adorable. But overall it was a sweet holiday romance story.
I loved the tropes of forced proximity and only one bed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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